What to ask the server owner
Write down the supported edition, game version, address and entry rules. Bedrock may require a separate port. Check this data with the installed game before looking for a network error. The server name alone does not confirm compatibility. If your friends are already playing, ask them to send the exact connection parameters, and not just the name of the project. For a server with mods, you will also need a list of required components.
Connection in Java Edition
Open Multiplayer from the main menu. To save the address, select Add Server, enter a friendly name and the address received from the administrator. After saving, select a server from the list and connect. Direct Connection is convenient for one-time address verification. If the server does not appear automatically, this is expected for a remote server: searching for local games refers to your network. Do not use the address from the example instructions as the real address of the desired project.
Connection in Bedrock Edition
Open Play and the Servers tab. Recommended servers are available there. On devices that have Add Server, you can enter the name, address, and port of your server, then save the entry or connect. Features may vary by device; don't expect the same add-address menu on every console. Realms use a separate invitation. Your Microsoft account and multiplayer permissions must also be set up.
How to separate incompatibility from unavailability
First compare the version and edition, then the address and port. After that, check if the server is accessible to other players. If the login is rejected after the connection is established, write down a message: it may indicate the list of allowed players, mod requirements, or account rules. Change one parameter per try. A successful connection to another server is useful as a test case, but does not prove the availability of the desired server.
Sources and checks
Guides are automatically translated from Russian; interface labels may differ. The Russian edition is the original.